Top right photo by National Park Service. All other photos by Hannah Beaver

A lesser-known Georgia gem, Cumberland Island is a place stuck in time. Preserved by visionary families committed to sharing its beauty, the National Park Service has maintained this southernmost barrier island since 1971 when it was designated a national seashore by President Nixon.

Today, Cumberland’s 56 square miles are a naturalist’s paradise. A prehistoric-looking maritime forest is home to wild horses, boar, deer, armadillos, bobcats, wild turkey and more than 335 documented species of birds. Seventeen miles of undisturbed beach boast sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and manatee. Marshes brim with shrimp and crab, fresh water lakes hold bass, blue gill and gators.

Aside from wildlife viewing, there is fishing, boar and deer hunting for the sportsman, and more than 50 miles of trails for the explorer. History buffs can tour the historic ruins of Dungeness, a 17th century tabby home built by Catherine Greene, wife of Revolutionary War hero General Nathaniel Greene; Plum Orchard, a maintained Georgia Revival mansion originally built by the Carnegie family in 1898; and the First African-American Baptist Church, site of the 1996 wedding of John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette.

Cumberland offers two developed campsites. Sea Camp, which is a half-mile from the ferry dock, has running water, bathrooms, fire pits and campsites on the edge of the beach. Stafford Campground, which is three and a half miles from the Ferry dock, also offers restrooms, showers and fire rings.

Additionally, there are three wilderness campsites further north on the island, but are better suited for minimalist camping as they require a long hike in and visitors must adhere to leave-no-trace principles (no fires, packing out trash and water treatment).

Finally, for those who prefer a luxurious end to their day of exploration, the renowned Greyfield Inn is a 2011 Conde Nast Gold List hotel and serves as the only public place to eat or stay on the island. A grand mansion, it was originally the 19th century retreat of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie, but was later converted to an inn in 1962. Rooms are expensive ($395-$595/night), but include breakfast, lunch, gourmet dinner, sporting equipment, tours and ferry transport.

Ferries run twice a day from St. Marys on the mainland. Plan to stay at the Riverview Inn the night before your departure for the best local ambiance. While day passes are always available, reservations to the camp sites are tightly controlled and fill up six months in advance.

Photo Credit: Collin Peterson

Before audio recordings ever captured rural acoustic American roots music, listening to bluegrass live was an improvisational experience. Like jazz, part of the beauty of the sound was in the element of not knowing what the performers would do next. And while we could keep extoling the unexpected nature of live bluegrass, we’d rather direct you an unexpected Southern venue – down into a Tennessee cave, 333 feet below the surface.

Well worth a trip to Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN, Bluegrass Underground is a live performance that is a musical experience of a lifetime. Held once a month, each evening begins with a guided tour down into the cave through rocky terrain and past underground waterfalls, not-so-subtly reminding you that you’re not at The Ryman for a concert. The show is held in what’s called The Volcano Room, a space with impeccable acoustics that naturally formed over time.

The performance, which is also broadcast on select radio stations, got its start after organizer Todd Mayo and his wife first toured the caves. He noticed how the sound moved about The Volcano Room just as well as any recording studio, and knew it could house something extraordinary. The event grew from there.

Bluegrass Underground strives to bring top-notch bluegrass acts to its “stage” every month. Past performers include Ricky Skaggs, Justin Townes Earle, The Steel Drivers and The Grascals. The next show in the natural amphitheater is September 24 featuring Ryan Cavanaugh & No Man’s Land with Spirit Family Reunion.

Bluegrass Underground tickets are $20 for general admission; $33 for the show and cave tour.

Rendering credit: Interface Multmedia

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair…even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream…that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28, 1963

Forty eight years after of one of the South’s most celebrated sons delivered his most renowned speech, our nation will honor Martin Luther King, Jr. with the first major memorial built on Washington’s National Mall dedicated to a man who was not a president.

His place in history has already been set in stone, and now a memorial will provide admirers from around the world a place to reflect on King’s universal messages of freedom, hope, justice and love.

Set on the Tidal Basin, the park and memorial create a visual line between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. The area includes a major sculpture work in two settings: the first represents a mountain split in two alluding to Kings speech, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” The second structure, the “Stone of Hope,” is a 30-foot tall statue of King. The space is surrounded by 165 cherry blossom trees planted to symbolize a place of peace and a 450 foot granite wall carved with quotes from King that have universal themes of equality.

Dr. King’s 1963 I Have a Dream speech was delivered from the Lincoln Memorial – only a short distance from the location of his own memorial, yet a vast expanse from how far our nation has journeyed.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial’s official dedication ceremony this weekend is free and open to the public, will take place at 11 a.m. followed by a concert on the Mall at 2 p.m.

Photo: Kiawah Island Ocean Course. Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

With the top golfers currently playing the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, we wondered what those pros would consider to be the top courses in the South – great golf spots where every player, whether scratch or hack, should try to tee it up at least once in their life. For this unique perspective, we turned to the South’s own Webb Simpson. The Raleigh, NC native and Wake Forest grad has soared up the PGA Tour ranks to become one of the best golfers in the world, with six top 10 finishes so far this year.

Webb gave us his list of seven Southern courses, which he selected based on their history, reputation, condition, affordability, location and the overall experience of the area and resort. “I have had the opportunity to play golf now for 17 years and play all around the world. I have had my fair taste of all different types and styles of golf courses. And to be truly honest, bias aside, golf in the Southern United States is my absolute favorite.”

TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra, FL
“Everyone who has played golf or watched it should be familiar with TPC Sawgrass. Home of the Players Championship, it’s known for the challenging par-3 17th hole. This course is easy to get to and get on, with prices that are fair. Bring plenty of golf balls to this course, especially for number 17.”

Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, GA
“I had to suggest Augusta National because of the obvious: the Masters is played there every year. It’s my favorite course I have ever played. I know how tough Augusta is to get on, but if you ever get the chance to go you should drop everything and go.”

Pinehurst No. 2 – Pinehurst, NC
“Located in one of the most desired golf spots in the world, Pinehurst No. 2 has been the host of many of the most well-known tournaments golf has to offer. I would suggest this course to both a group of men or couples because of all the fun things to do in the area. There are restaurants, shops, romantic hotels, and so much more to discover in this quaint town. And also, the spa located in The Carolina hotel in the heart of Pinehurst is nothing short of first class.”

East Lake Golf Club – Atlanta, GA
“East Lake is known for its history, plain and simple. But it is the host to the last event in the FedEx Cup playoffs, the Tour Championship. This is one of the best courses in the world and I would want to play there on a daily basis if I could.”

Kiawah Island Ocean Course – Kiawah Island, SC
“The Ocean course has been host to Ryder Cups and other professional and junior tournaments for years. The beauty of this course will overwhelm all who play for the first time. This is also a course that would be most enjoyable with your wife and other couples.”

Harbor Town Golf Links – Hilton Head Island, SC
“Harbor Town Golf Links hosts the PGA Tour every year in April. This old style golf course is fun and challenging to play because it is short and tight. Not many golf courses put a premium on accuracy anymore. This is a family-friendly resort and has many things to do besides golf. “

Seaside Golf Course – Saint Simons Island, GA
“The Seaside golf course in Saint Simons Island is beautiful, challenging and is always in great shape. The Sea Island resort offers many fun activities and great restaurants to enjoy. They are also very well-known for their gigantic spa.”

Photo by Frank Buchalski under CC by 2.0

It’s hard to choose a favorite Southern city. It’s like trying to pick a favorite wine – so many options, and unique attributes to appreciate about each. However, when it comes to a short list, Charleston, South Carolina has secured a spot on ours.

Plentiful beaches, numerous sporting opportunities, a rich history, outstanding food, classic attire, magnificent homes, beautiful people – Charleston has it all. Here are a few of our favorite highlights to consider for your next jaunt to the coastal town.

Stay
Charleston Place Hotel – An Orient-Express hotel, the Charleston Place is the “Ritz” of the city, featuring a premiere spa, Four Diamond restaurant, pool, lush rooms and an ideal location on King Street.

Francis Marion – A balanced blend of classic and comfort, this historic hotel is affordable and located on King Street and Marion Square.

Planters Inn – Touted by locals and travel magazines alike, Planters sits on Market Street in the heart of downtown Charleston, offers a quaint, but luxurious environment, and is host to the Peninsula Grill, a longtime fixture of fine dining in the city.

Rutledge House B&B – George Washington lodged here in 1791 and President Taft was a frequent visitor to this antebellum home. Rutledge House will appeal to the Southern historian and is within walking distance of all things “South of Broad.”

Eat
Husk – The newest offering from James Beard award-winning chef Sean Brock (who is also behind Charleston staple McCrady’s), this is nouveau Southern at its best. Check out the bar next door, as well, which feels like a renovated 19th century farmhouse inside.

Hominy Grill – Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Hominy takes you off the beaten path, but delivers the best versions of your grandmother’s cooking.

Poe’s Tavern – A local favorite on Sullivan’s Island, the spot was inspired by Edgar Allen and is known for its beer and burgers, though of course seafood is not excluded.

The Wreck – Found on Mt. Pleasant, the Wreck sits on Shem Creek and offers fresh seafood, views of the boats that may have caught that seafood and a dive atmosphere even if the prices don’t match.

High Cotton – Antique brick and heart of pine floors define the space; the upscale fare is some of the best in Charleston.

Do
Beaches – Sullivan’s, Folly and Isle of Palms are some of our favorites that are nearby.

Fishing – Tarpon, redfish, mackerel, shark, seatrout and more. Hire a local guide for inshore or offshore.

The Battery/White Point Gardens – Touristy, yes, but a walk through the area is a must.

Notable seasonal events: Spoleto Arts Festival, Southeast Wildlife Exposition, Food & Wine Festival, Cooper River Bridge Run

Ben Silver – One of the finest independent men’s stores in the South.

Indigo & Cotton – Ultra-curated up-and-comer for men’s clothing. Indigo is a refreshing alternative to classic Southern dress.

Photo by Frank Buchalski under CC by 2.0